Security top of mind at N Tx churches 1 week after Sutherland Springs

Sunday, many church member arrived to Prestonwood Baptist Church for the first time since the events in Sutherland Springs.

"I always feel very safe here at church, I know they have some security in place and there are some people here, I've seen policemen around," said Kim Wilson, who was attending Sunday services at Prestonwood.

"We understand that we live in a world where things could potentially happen, and at this point we feel like our church takes certain security measures and there's a certain amount of risk we take in life for our freedom, but we're not going to hold back coming to the church," said church member Bond Conway.

Members said they went to church anticipating a message of hope.

"Christians persevere, and never give up, we rise up" said Pastor Jack Graham. "We've all faced these big issues, but ultimately it's about death and dying. And we're all on our way into eternity."

Prestonwood Baptist Church welcomes 14,000 people through its doors each weekend.

"Obviously, with what has happened, we are more aware and more sensitive and we're at full force this morning," said Mike Buster, Executive Pastor.

Pastor Buster says they've been increasing security since 9/11 with security cameras and officers.
 
"We have a volunteer team out there and then people stationed at every door. And then we have uniformed police officers and we have contract security," said Buster.

Prestonwood leaders have plans to host a seminar next month to share security tips with other Baptist churches.

So far, more than 350 churches from seven states have signed up.

"We're in different locations, but we're still one church. This was a Southern Baptist Church and we're a southern baptist church," said Buster.

He says their goal is to give everyone a safe place to worship.

"This act of wickedness does not get the final word. Jesus is the final word and we look to Him when we can't find answers," said Buster.